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Vienna Rathausplatz Christmas market

The enormous Christmas market that takes place in Vienna’s Rathausplatz is the city’s largest and oldest, dating back to 1296, when small, local traders would supply groceries, textiles and practical items along with a few festive pastries to shoppers in preparation for the Christmas celebrations.

Today there are more than 140 stalls, and though many of the items on offer are far more frivolous (gifts, decorations, greetings cards and toys), there’s still a definite sense of heritage about the event, not least because of the elegant backdrop provided by the Burgtheater, City Hall and the romantic Rathauspark, through which you can wander beneath trees decked with colourful fairy lights. Visit the Heart Tree with your lover, the Talking Tree with your family, or leave a message for a far-away loved one at the little blue Post Office in the Clouds. There’s also a craft centre workshop for children, where they can learn to make gifts for friends and family and bake spicy Christmas cookies, and old-fashioned fairground rides, so they’ll have plenty to do while their parents take a break to hear the carollers and enjoy a mug of mulled wine and some roasted chestnuts.